IP strategies for app developers in China
In 2014, China’s iOS app downloads surged with a 30% increase in quarterly downloads.
This rapid growth, stimulated by the release of the iPhone 6 and heavy investment in Apple’s retail presence in the country, has pushed China to the top spot for app downloads worldwide.
Asia is leading a mobile revolution, replacing older, less transportable technologies with a ‘mobile-first’ tech culture. Smartphone penetration in China is far deeper than anywhere in the West, with many new users skipping desktop computing entirely.
In China alone it is estimated that there are more than 700 million active smartphones and there is still potential for further growth as cheaper alternatives increasingly cater for the lower end of the market.
These statistics, coupled with recent developments in Chinese mobile user payment structures, make China a very attractive market for existing and potential app developers.
However, the Chinese app market still has its challenges and success in the market is by no means easy. Alongside the usual hurdles of development, marketing and distribution, potential developers should be mindful of protecting their brand and products when entering the Chinese market. Failure to obtain adequate protection can result in loss of market shares, damage to brand reputation and even exclusion of products from the Chinese market.
The China IPR SME helpdesk can help you to understand potential issues and timely protection of core IP before breaking into China.
Key issues include:
- Brand protection – how to register your brand and trademark and protect it
- Copyright – software and content protection
- How to deal with infringement
Read the full case study attached at the bottom of this page.
The China IPR SME Helpdesk supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from European Union (EU) member states to protect and enforce their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in or relating to China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, through the provision of free information and services. The Helpdesk provides jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, along with training events, materials and online resources. Individual SMEs and SME intermediaries can submit their IPR queries via email (question [at] china-iprhelpdesk.eu ()) and gain access to a panel of experts, in order to receive free and confidential first-line advice within 3 working days.
The China IPR SME Helpdesk is an initiative by the European Union
To learn more about the China IPR SME Helpdesk and any aspect of intellectual property rights in China, please visit our online portal at http://www.ipr-hub.eu/.
